Hundreds of garment workers from Bashundhara Garments staged a road blockade in Savar for four hours on Monday, demanding unpaid salaries, overtime, and holiday allowances.
The protest began at 8:30 AM on the Hemayetpur-Singair Road and was called off at 12:30 PM following assurances from the army.
The workers initially stopped work at the factory located in Hemayetpur, protesting the non-payment of last month's wages. When no resolution was reached, they took to the streets, blocking the road and causing severe traffic congestion, with vehicles backed up over two kilometers. Thousands of commuters and pedestrians faced significant delays due to the protest.
According to the protesting workers, this is not the first instance of delayed payments. “We are owed four months of back pay, overtime, and holiday allowances. Despite assurances from the factory management and BGMEA, our dues remain unpaid. We are left with no choice but to protest.”
Another worker, Sadia, shared her struggles: "Without our salaries, we are in deep distress. We have families to support. Even after repeated promises, the management has failed to deliver. We demand immediate payment of all dues, including maternity leave benefits."
Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1 Mominul Islam Bhuiyan confirmed the incident, stating, "The workers protested to demand their unpaid wages and reopening of the factory. After assurances were given, the blockade was withdrawn. We are actively communicating with the management to resolve the issue. Additional police and army personnel remain on standby to prevent any untoward incidents."
The workers have warned of stricter actions if their demands are not met promptly.
